It was a dynamic and insightful event, highlighting the essential steps needed to address the skills gap in the industry. Both DG GROW and DG Employment emphasized the critical importance of building a resilient, skilled workforce to secure the food sector's future

Why Pact for Skills?

The Pact for Skills is a flagship EU initiative that brings together public and private partners to drive upskilling and reskilling across Europe. In the (agri)food sector, it focuses on aligning skills development with the evolving needs of the industry—preparing the workforce for digital innovation, sustainable transformation, and shifting market demands.
EFFoST is proud to join the Pact for Skills, as its mission closely aligns with our commitment to building a future-ready food system through knowledge and collaboration.

Key takeaways from the panel discussion
Gabriela Versteeg, Managing Director of EFFoST, participated in the panel discussion, "Future Skills Needs in the Agri-Food Sector – How to Attract Young Talent?", which tackled the gap between current skills and market requirements. One clear conclusion emerged: we need to better "brand" the food sector to make it more attractive to younger generations. By showcasing the sector’s innovation, impact, and career diversity, we can inspire more young professionals to join. Another important focus is the Food Systems approach, which is also highlighted in projects like FoodpathS and FOSSnet, and the identified gap between industry needs and educational programs.

Skills initiatives and projects present
Several inspiring projects dedicated to equipping the agri-food workforce with future-ready skills presented their results:

• I-RESTART: Enhancing digital competencies to stay ahead of technological changes.
• AGRIFOOD4FUTURE (ERASMUS+): Developing new skills for a resilient agri-food future.
• GEEK4FOOD SKILL PASSPORT: Validating skills through digital credentialing.
• AKIS - Competences for Agricultural Transformation: Promoting sustainable farming through education.
• Digital Transformation of Agriculture (GAIA Epicheirein): Tackling digital literacy in farming.
• Ireland Experience - Upskilling for Competitive Advantage (Skillnet Ireland): Industry-driven training solutions.
• Digital Inclusion in Cooperatives (CONFAGRI PT): Improving digital access for cooperative members.
• Bilateral Training Initiatives (Confagricoltura & JoinFruit): Connecting production and retail through targeted skills.
• Best Practices in Skills Development (Groenpact): Exploring future-proof training methods.

EFFoST’s commitment to skills development
At EFFoST, we actively support youth engagement and continuous learning through our initiatives:

• Young EFFoST Council: A platform for young professionals to shape the future.
• Student of the Year Award: Celebrating emerging talent in the food sector.
• Young EFFoST Day, Webinars and Taste of Science: Knowledge-sharing opportunities for students and professionals.
• EYE mentorship programme - collaboration with EHEDG: Enhancing mentorship through partnership.